5 Money-Saving Mot Tips You Need To Know

 During a cost of living crisis, we have mentioned how you can save some money ahead of your next MOT Check Rugby. Owning a car comes with different costs, like insurance, fuel, general upkeep, and breakdown cover, but you also need to show that your vehicle is road-legal and safe for the environment. 

What are the Basics of MOT?

Most vehicles that are more than three years old are legally required to take an MOT test every year to show their roadworthiness and safety. You will need to take your vehicle to a garage, where a mechanic or MOT tester will perform the test, which normally takes up to an hour.  

If your car passes its MOT test, you will be handed over a certificate with the test date and expiration date mentioned on it. The complete MOT checklist can help you prepare for the test. You need to know that there is no grace period with an MOT; once it has expired, you could face consequences. 

If you are caught driving a vehicle without an expired MOT, you could receive a £1,000 fine. If you lost your MOT certificate, you can visit the government website and fill up the registration number of your vehicle to check your MOT status and print out the certificate. 

How Much Should an MOT Cost?

As per the UK government, the maximum fee for an MOT for a car is £54.85. Prices can range from £29.65 to £124.50 for different types of vehicles. However, MOT fees do not include any vehicle repairs, so you need to pay them separately. 

5 MOT Money-Saving Tips

Set a reminder

As humans, we forget things very quickly, so setting a reminder is a smart move ahead of the MOT due date. If you miss your MOT, it may lead to serious problems and potential prosecution from the police, so set reminders. Most modern mobile devices will have this reminder inbuilt, or you can use apps like Google Calendar.

Do pre-MOT checks by Yourself

Throughout the year, your vehicle is more than likely going to need some maintenance or repair. Keeping your car maintained can significantly make a difference when it comes to saving money.

Before going to the test centre, just do a quick wash of your car to remove any clutter inside and outside. It will speed up the checking process and help you identify any problems. Parts like cleaning the number plate, as it must be visible. An MOT tester can also refuse to carry out a MOT if your car is dirty. 

Look at your windscreen wipers for any damages, like scratches or cracks, with no tears in the rubber. These damages can be easily repaired, and if left ignored, they can lead to more serious damages.

Check that all the lights are in working condition. It will be easier if you ask someone, such as family or friends, to stand outside the car and confirm that they all work properly for you. 

Check the tyre tread depth and air pressure of your vehicle.

Ensure that all your necessary fluid levels are topped up, including screenwash, brake fluid, and oil.

At last, take a quick look at your horn to see if it works and if all of your mirrors are in working order. Doing regular maintenance is the best way to prepare your car for its MOT.

Check Around for the Best Quote

This seems like simple advice but don’t just accept the quote that the testing garage offers you. Although some of the big car repair franchises may offer detailed prices, there are often smaller local garages that could offer the same service for less. 

Since small garages rely on word of mouth and need positive feedback from customers more than household names, they could give you a better price and a better service.

Find a Council MOT Test Centre

A more affordable alternative option when looking for an MOT is to try a Council MOT Centre. Local councils across the UK own thousands of vehicles and all of them need an MOT certificate to be road-legal. These garages' sole purpose is to carry out MOT and they do not offer any repair service. Most of them don’t perform any repairs on-site. If your vehicle fails its MOT test and needs repair, it must be sent to a garage. 

Council MOT test centers are also available for public use so you can also try it out. They could be a better alternative that may save you more money because these centers won’t benefit if any repairs are needed in your vehicle. In simple words, the mechanic doing your MOT is likely to be more unbiased over what work is needed to pass the MOT test. 

Don't Ignore Previous Advisories

Each year, when your vehicle passes your MOT test, you will get a list of advisories. These defects are given as warnings for future problems you may face with your vehicle. 

Every vehicle driver who receives these advisories at the end of their MOT test needs to address them. They could result in serious issues with a much bigger bill at the end of it. Most of the minor repairs can be repaired during Car Servicing Rugby, so address them as soon as possible to maintain the health of your car.